Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has surrendered to Tihar Jail after the Delhi High Court rejected his plea for time to repay nearly ₹9 crore in a long‑running cheque‑bounce case stemming from a failed 2012 film. The case has drawn support from fellow actors as his bail plea continues.
Bollywood’s Rajpal Yadav in Tihar Jail Over ₹9 Crore Debt:
Veteran Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav, known for his memorable comic roles, has surrendered at Tihar Jail, Delhi, after the Delhi High Court refused to give him more time to repay nearly ₹9 crore in outstanding dues from a long‑running cheque‑bounce case.
Rajpal Yadav Behind Bars:
The legal battle dates back to 2010, when Yadav took a ₹5 crore loan from M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film bombed at the box office, leaving him unable to repay the amount. Over the years, due to interest, penalties, and repeated delays, the outstanding figure ballooned close to ₹9 crore.
The actor issued multiple cheques to settle the debt, but these were dishonoured, triggering criminal proceedings under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The case dragged through courts for over a decade, with Yadav repeatedly seeking time extensions and appealing decisions.
On February 2, 2026, the Delhi High Court gave him a final deadline to surrender by February 4, warning that continued leniency could not be extended even for someone of his public stature. Despite offers to pay part of the amount and a revised payment plan from his counsel, the court declined further relief.
On February 5, Yadav physically surrendered at Tihar Jail, beginning a six‑month sentence imposed earlier in the case. Authorities confirmed he complied with standard jail procedures.
The actor’s bail plea was set for further hearing on February 12, and the film fraternity has rallied to support him during this difficult period.
From Box Office Hits to ₹9 Crore Debt:
Rajpal Yadav rose to fame in the late 1990s and 2000s with memorable roles in films like Phir Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Chup Chup Ke, and became one of Bollywood’s most beloved character actors.
His directorial venture Ata Pata Laapata (2012), despite a strong cast, flopped badly, leading to severe financial stress. Legal troubles began after the loan cheque bounced, and the courts convicted him in 2018; Yadav’s appeals and repeated breaches of court orders prolonged the matter.
Over the years, portions of the debt have been settled-including a ₹75 lakh deposit in 2025-but the bulk remained outstanding. The actor’s emotional surrender highlighted his financial strain; in a statement before surrendering, he said he had no money left and no way out.
Several industry figures, including Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, Sonu Sood, Tej Pratap Yadav, Guru Randhawa, and others, have publicly offered support-both emotional and financial-urging the industry to help him through the crisis.
The case has sparked broader conversation about financial management, legal obligations, and the precarious nature of earnings for actors outside the top‑tier star bracket.